One famous person I've actually met: Joe Paterno ( I live in PSU country). I was working for Best Buy security, and he came into our store looking for electric razors. He noticed the NY Giants necklace I had on and asked me if I was from New York, 'cause he doesn't see to many NY Giants fans in the area. That started a 20+ minute conversation that went from discussing our favorite football teams to talking about our children. I will never forget that day. He is truly one heck of a down-to-earth gentleman. He signed a sticky pad for me and we shook hands and said our goodbyes. It was like I was talking with a family member.

Three famous people I'd love to meet: Charlie Benante, Robin Williams, Gene Wilder

Best concert experience: When my friend Mike Murphy and I saw Rolling Rock Festival 2.0 in Latrobe, Pa., on Aug. 4, 2001. It had Staind, Oleander, Incubus, Deftones, Live, Tantric, and my faves: Stone Temple Pilots. STP played last, and that was their greatest show, in my own personal opinion. I laugh whenever I see the DVD that came with the Thank You: Greatest Hits compilation, because you can see me and Mike in the crowd.

How/when I started reading Pop Candy: I've been a loyal USA TODAY reader for over 10 years, and since I can't get it in "Amish Country," I started reading it online. That's when I found Whitney's blog. It's a really neat blog, and it's a part of my daily routine!

Thanks, Tim! I appreciate the kind words. Maybe later you can share your Gene Wilder story -- I know several people who have spotted him (including myself). That guy gets around!

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About Whitney Matheson

Whitney has been writing about pop culture for USA TODAY since 1999, when Pop Candy began as a weekly column. Her interests include music festivals, mustaches, Lost, comic books and Andy Warhol. She lives in New York City. More about Whitney | E-mail Whitney